Colorado Fans Will Love What Running Backs Coach Johnnie Mack Said About Micah Welch

The Colorado Buffaloes are hoping that a revamped offense can help take the program to another level in 2026, and running back Micah Welch could be one of those offensive weapons.

Colorado running backs Mack recently spoke to the media where he praised Welch’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to the Buffaloes. Not only does the team have a new offensive coordinator but they also gained a new running backs coach. Welch comes to them with experience that could most definitely lead to a significant shift from last year’s production.

Micah Welch Johnnie Mack Brennan Marion Colorado Buffaloes Football Running Back Offense Go-Go Offense — Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Micah Welch Has Experience to Build On

One of the biggest advantages that Colorado running back Micah Welch brings into this 2026 team is experience.

“Number one, experience. If you think about it, this will be Micah’s third year playing Power Four football. The discussion that Micah and I had in the off-season was, ‘Hey man, you've got the most experience in this room. So the game should start to slow down for you, and it should be a lot easier for you this year.’ But man, his work ethic from this off-season to now, man, Micah put in a lot of work this year,” Mack said.

The new running backs coach has previously pointed out Welch’s experience as one of his biggest strengths. He has spent multiple seasons in Power Four football, providing him with an understanding of what is required to succeed at this level.

That exact experience could become even more valuable as the Buffaloes transition into new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s offensive system.

Marion is known for his innovative “Go-Go” offense, which creates opportunities for multiple running backs to contribute and puts an emphasis on getting playmakers into space. Mack has described the system as one that is built for running backs to succeed.

“We can bring them in. If we need a physical one-yard or two yards, we’ve got big guys like the Damian Hendersons and the Richard Youngs. And then we got the speedsters and the power guys like Micah Welch that can be both," said Mack.

For Welch, that could mean more opportunities to establish himself as a consistent offensive weapon.

The Buffaloes have also added multiple running backs through the transfer portal, including Richard Young, Damian Henderson II and JaQuail Smith. This competition means that it could push Welch. It also means that Colorado has somewhat of a good problem on their hands with more depth at a position surrounded by concern in recent years.

Rather than relying on one player to carry the entirety of the workload, Marion and Mack could utilize the depth of the room to keep backs ready and create different match-up opportunities.

A Chance to Become a Bigger Part of Colorado’s Offense

For Welch, his goal is most likely to turn his experience into production.

His 384 rushing yards from last year were enough to lead Colorado, but they also showed how much room there is for improvement. If the Buffaloes can establish a more effective rushing attack, Welch could potentially have significant improvement upon those numbers.

One of the most encouraging signs of Welch having a great year is the coaching staff’s confidence in him.

Mack’s comments about the running back’s offseason work suggest that the junior fully understands the opportunity in front of him. Welch is entering the 2026 season as an experienced running back who has proven that he can handle a significant role.

The challenge now is taking the next step.

Colorado needs its rushing attack to become more consistent if the Buffaloes want to make significant progress throughout this next year. A stronger running game can take pressure off of the passing attack, create more balance and give Marion’s offense another dimension and Welch can be at the center of that progress.

If the Colorado running back’s work translates to the field in September, the Buffaloes may finally have the running game that they’ve been searching for. With Marion and Mack at the helm, this season could be the time when Welch could get beyond Colorado’s leading rusher and become one of the team’s most important offensive playmakers.

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